Lineups: Astros rookie Imai returns from IL to start vs Mariners

The Houston Astros reinstated Japanese rookie right-hander Tatsuya Imai off the injured list to start Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park.

3 top Mariners prospects did incredible things in the last week

Imai, 28, has spent the past month on the IL with arm fatigue after exiting his April 10 start against the Mariners in Seattle. Imai lasted just one-third of an inning in that outing, allowing three runs, a hit and four walks on 37 pitches in a 9-6 loss to the M’s.

Imai has struggled in his transition from Japan’s Pacific League to MLB. After signing a three-year, $54 million contract with the Astros this past offseason, he posted a 7.27 ERA through his first three starts with Houston, while totaling 13 strikeouts and 11 walks in 8 2/3 innings.

As for the Mariners, they’re going with the same lineup they had for their 3-1 series-opening win over the Astros on Monday. Cal Raleigh will continue to hit in the cleanup spot, with Julio Rodríguez up in the second spot and Josh Naylor batting third.

Saddled up for Game 2️⃣ in Houston. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/HMEEKKvBoo

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 12, 2026

Bryan Woo takes the mound for Seattle. The 2025 All-Star right-hander threw six scoreless innings of one-hit ball against the Atlanta Braves in his most recent outing last week.

Here’s Houston’s lineup for Tuesday:

Care Bears Night!

⚾️: 7:10pm
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN | @peacock
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 & 740 AM | Spanish: 102.9 HD2#ChaseTheFight x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/6vSYb7khEF

— Houston Astros (@astros) May 12, 2026

Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports of Tuesday’s 5:10 p.m. game will begin at 4 p.m. with the pregame show.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Roster Move: Seattle Mariners’ bullpen down a leverage arm in Houston
• How Seattle Mariners’ six-man rotation lines up for this week
• Two Seattle Mariners land in top 10 of Baseball America rankings

Related

Mariners’ Brendan Donovan still dealing with symptoms after concussionBryan Woo goes 8 scoreless innings in 2-0 Mariners win over A’sSeattle Mariners call up top prospect Michael ArroyoSeattle Sports Radio Info: How to find Apple Cup and Mariners gameMariners lose third straight to Athletics 6-2Top prospects among Mariners’ minor league standouts in August